Adobe Error Code 182 is kinda annoying because it usually gets stuck at around 5% during an install, and then just stops. Usually, this happens because of a couple of main issues:
- The installation folder path is too long, nested too deep, or in a restricted directory. Basically, if the folder name is crazy long or buried somewhere funky, the installer throws a fit.
- It might also be related to admin restrictions or security settings, especially if you’re on a managed work or school machine.
This error seems to pop up a lot on systems with:
- Strict user account controls (like in a corporate environment),
- Modified default install locations, or
- Installers running from external or cloud folders (think OneDrive or network drives).
To fix this, there are a few tricks that might do the trick. It’s a bit of trial and error, but these are what helped on multiple setups.
1. Rename the Setup Folder and Use a Simpler Path
Seems kinda weird, but Adobe installers are pretty picky about where they run from and folder names. If your setup folder has weird characters or is buried deep in folders, it might choke.
Doing this helps because it reduces complexity and risk of permission issues. Usually, just renaming the folder to something simple and putting it somewhere like Desktop or your C:\ drive works. Also, avoid launching setup from synced folders like OneDrive — those closets can get in the way.
- Open File Explorer and head to your Downloads folder, where the Adobe installer files are.
- Find the folder with the installer (probably called something like “AdobeSetup” or similar).If there are multiple versions, pick the latest one with Set-up.exe.
- Right-click the folder and choose Cut, then head over to your desktop.
- Paste it there and rename to Adobe_Install — no funky characters or spaces, just simple letters.
- Double-click the setup file inside that folder to start the install process.
2. Compress and Re-extract the Setup Folder
Sometimes, download or sync locations add restrictions to the files, especially if they’re on things like OneDrive, external drives, or if system policies restrict permissions. Making a ZIP archive of your setup folder and then extracting it again can shake off those restrictions.
- Find that Adobe folder again — better yet, move it to your Desktop for quick access.
- Right-click the folder, hover over WinRAR (if you use it) and select Add to archive. If you don’t have WinRAR, 7-Zip or your compression tool should work similarly.
- In the menu, stick with default settings and hit OK — this makes a ZIP or RAR file.
- Once done, right-click the archive and pick Extract to “Adobe Photoshop” or whatever name makes sense. Decompression resets permissions and gets rid of weird lockouts.
- Go into that folder and run Setup.exe. Fingers crossed, this fresh unpacking lets the install proceed.
3. Run the Installer as Admin
This one is a classic — if the installer doesn’t have admin rights, it might hit a wall when trying to write to Program Files or other protected spots.
To do this, just right-click on the Setup.exe and pick Run as administrator. It’s a simple step, but it often makes a big difference, especially on locked-down systems.
If you’re still running into issues, consider reinstalling the Creative Cloud Desktop App — sometimes, a fresh start with that can fix permission hiccups, too.